Valentina Shevchenko couldn’t assist, however snort after studying of Alexa Grasso’s recommendation to her.
Earlier than defending her flyweight championship towards ‘Bullet’ within the first-ever girls’s trilogy bout in UFC historical past on September 14, Grasso offered a word of advice to her opponent, suggesting that if Shevchenko hopes to take again the 125-pound title, she’ll want to maneuver ahead and ramp up the aggression, somewhat than sitting again for 25 minutes.
"She has a mode the place she waits an excessive amount of. … If you wish to get your belt again, I don’t assume that’s the best way to try this."
Alexa Grasso challenges Valentina Shevchenko to carry the struggle at #NocheUFC
(through @MikeBohn) pic.twitter.com/t9yVUGYiQo
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) September 4, 2024
“She has a mode the place she waits an excessive amount of,” Grasso told MMA Junkie. “She’s simply going again and again and again. I don’t assume that’s a very good (concept). If you wish to get your belt again, I don’t assume that’s the best way to try this. “If you need the belt it’s a must to go for it. I might love that.
“I like to change. I really like battles. However she has a combating fashion the place she’s going again, again, again – I’m undecided that’s going to work.”
Studying of Grasso’s feedback, Shevchenko was nothing in need of amused.
“So she is planning to safe her victory, she is just not planning to go ahead? That is what she mentioned?” Shevchenko said in her own interview with MMA Junkie whereas listening to the soundbyte from Grasso. “So she’s going to be on her facet of the Octagon anticipating me to be on my facet? That’s hilarious. Oh my God.”
UFC 306 will the the third consecutive assembly between Grasso and Shevchenko. Their first conflict got here in March 2023 when Grasso stunned the MMA community with a fourth-round submission victory over ‘Bullet’ to carry the flyweight belt again residence to Mexico.
Six months later, they might run it again at Noche UFC in Las Vegas. This time round, they might go the complete 5 rounds, however little can be completed as the contest was controversially ruled a split draw after decide Mike Bell in some way noticed match to attain the ultimate spherical 10-8 in favor of Grasso.
“Trying on the second struggle, our second struggle, it was a draw,” Shevchenko mentioned. “However it was the identical actual technique, with the identical actual ways, I secured the victory if it hadn’t been for the error and error of the decide (Mike Bell). He’s very, very bizarre motion what he did. So everybody might really feel that I gained the struggle. I did sufficient to win the struggle. It was surprising for the individuals seeing {that a} decide can do these issues. It was bizarre. Figuring out that my technique is working, I don’t have intentions to alter something.
“I’m simply going to carry my spirit. I’m going to carry my energy and my velocity and I’m going to carry my expertise to the struggle. The No. 1 purpose what I’ve to do on this struggle is be myself. I don’t need to play somebody’s sport. This isn’t what makes you champion. Champion is who’s enjoying their very own sport. I don’t care what everyone seems to be saying. I’m going to win the struggle. I do know for positive.”
Valentina Shevchenko decided to maintain the judges out of her UFC 306 co-main occasion
Although she is aware of it will likely be no simple activity, Shevchenko has no intention of permitting their third struggle to go to the judges, particularly after leaving empty-handed final 12 months.
“Each time I look ahead, however each time it’s not doable to complete the struggle, particularly if you find yourself combating with a top-level opponent,” Shevchenko mentioned. “You’ll be able to end the struggle very simply when the extent between you and your opponent have a niche, however after we are talking about UFC and the top-level competitors, generally it’s more durable. However this was our main purpose throughout the coaching camp, to complete the struggle.
“I really feel nice. I really feel sturdy and my cardio is wonderful. I’m simply going to go there and provides the individuals an incredible struggle. That is the purpose. I’m not frightened about anything. Simply give this struggle and make this struggle the very best struggle of my life.”
Trending Merchandise
